Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Anyone using linear scales with a motion controller?

« on: May 22, 2020, 10:53:20 PM »

I have Mach3 with two printer ports using linear scales on x and y axes. I am trying to update to a motion controlled system. Is anyone using scales with a motion controller? I have purchased a PoKeys57CNC and have been told I would have to use Mach3 Brains to make it work. Also SmoothStepper  says their unit doesn’t support scales at this time.
I have no programming skills and would love to find a solution. I am not trying to make a closed loop system, just want to see the scales reading in encoder position DRO on the settings tab as it works with my printer port setup. David   

2

General Mach Discussion / PoKeys Linear Scales

« on: May 14, 2020, 05:14:30 PM »

 I have a Bridgeport hobby CNC retrofit mill with linear scales on x and y running Mach 3  with Windows XP through two printer ports that I have been using for ten years. I have updated to Windows 10 and  purchased a PoKeys57CNC for motion control. My problem is with the scales.The PoKeys unit shows raw counts from the scales that react properly but I am unable to get Mach 3 to display them correctly. The DRO on the Settings screen bounces between negative and positive Values no matter what settings I place in the Counts/Unit configuration. PoKeys Support says I need to fix this through Mach 3 Brains. I have no experience with programming. Is anyone using scales with a Pokeys unit, or able to give step by step advice on setting up my scales? I am not trying to make a closed loop system here. I have checked with SmoothStepper and they say their device won’t work at this time but are working on a closed loop system for the future. Thanks in advance for any help.  David

3

General Mach Discussion / Cad Programs

« on: April 09, 2010, 11:35:24 PM »

I am looking for a simple and inexpensive CAD program to generate G codes. I am trying to mill a pocket that has a different Z depth from one side to the other. I have tried CadCam and can't make the Z depth different anywhere in the pocket. I am a beginner and need a simple or easy-to-learn program. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
David